The EBU has confirmed that 39 countries will be represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 2015, hosted between 19-23 May in Vienna, Austria. The number is two up on last year, representing the first increase in participation since Germany’s hosting in 2011.

Amongst the participants is a surprising return from Czech Republic, who will take part for the first time since 2009. Cyprus and Serbia have also announced returns following a year out, and Ukraine have announced their withdrawal from the contest due to financial reasons.

Andorra, Monaco, Morocco and Slovakia seem unlikely to return in the near future. Despite rumours and varying decisions, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Luxembourg and Turkey will also stay at home in 2015, although all of these countries have given indications towards a possible return in 2016.

The full participant list of 2015 can be found below;

Albania

Armenia

Austria (host)

Azerbaijan

Belarus

Belgium

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Georgia

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Macedonia

Malta

Moldova

Montenegro

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russia

San Marino

Serbia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

United Kingdom

The EBU has also confirmed that 16 countries will take part in the first semi-final on May 21, and 17 will take part in the second semi-final on May 23.

Six countries have already chosen their representatives for 2015; Belgium, Macedonia, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands and San Marino.

We at ESC United would like to wish all of our readers a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! Stay tuned with us into 2015 as we report on the latest Eurovision news!